Pursuant to a vote of the Board of Selectmen on April 14, 2020 and as a result of the State of Emergency declared by Governor Baker, the Annual Town Election has been postponed from May 4, 2020 to June 8, 2020.

The Town Clerk’s Office is preparing to provide a safe and secure election process for all parties involved including voters, candidates, election workers and municipal staff while performing state mandated processes for an Annual Town Election.

As a result of the State of Emergency and the need to provide a safe environment, there are several changes to the normal election process. In person voting will continue to be available on June 8th. However, the following guidelines will now be in place:

•Due to social distancing advisories, and the Town Hall being closed to the public, in-person Absentee or Early voting at Town Hall prior to Election Day will be suspended for this election. We strongly encourage registered voters to reduce their risk of virus exposure during this election process by taking advantage of voting by mail.

•Absentee balloting has been expanded to include any person taking precautions related to the COVID-19 and in response to the declared state of emergency. As a result, absentee balloting is highly recommended during this election process. The last date for absentee balloting is moved to noon on June 5th. Absentee ballot applications are available here.

•Early voting by mail is available for this election in response to the declared state of emergency. The last date for early voting applications is moved to noon on June 5th. Early voting applications are available here.

•The Voter registration deadline for this election has been moved to May 29th. Those people wishing to register to vote are highly encouraged to visit the Secretary of State website at www.registertovotema.com/ to complete their voter registration on line. Additional information on the voter registration process for May 29th can also be found here.

Information related to Election Day protocols will be provided at a future date.

Annual Town Meeting has also been postponed and will be held on June 15, 2020. More information related to Annual Town Meeting will be provided at a future date.